Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1887-09-02
Letter fro,., Manassas.
Correspondence OF the Alexandria GAzEr1

CORRESPONDENCE OF the Alexandra GAzETTEi
MANASSAS, Va, Sept. Another year
has rolled round, and sc find ourselves
once more located at the Cannon House for
q month. This historic town has made
many improvements within the last year.
and it is really surprising that when we look
back only few years ago there was not
tiwg where Manassas now stands, and now
it ia q Aourishing town, with mayor, COM
mon council, etc. The Cannon House has
changed hands since we were here. It's
nresent proprietor, Mr.. Charles E. Draw
ner. who is we'll known 10 this section of
The country and Alexandria, bought the ho-
tel from Mr.. VIM. S. Pickett, on the LIST of
June last, and has made great many
changes. He has quite large number of
summer boarders, and the old hotel oppo
site, so we'll known to all railroad travellers,
kept by Harvey Varnes for so many years,
has been transformed into magnificent
and beautiful summer residence. 1t is call
ed the "Annex" to the Cannon House, and
with it's fine yard for children and its beau
tiful surroundings, it is almost a perfect lit
tie paradise Among those who are here
are DR.. Latimer, wife and child; Rev. F. A.
Hall and wife; Mr.. Didden, wife and
daughter; Z. K. Chapman, wife and son |;
Mrs. F. A. Thueeand daughter;M Mrs. Knight;
Miss Rosie McConshe; Mrs. Waters; Miss
Blanche Stuart Miss Edith Brown; Willie
Brown, II. T. Tompkins, wife and daughter;
Mr.. Gusher, of Washington, D. c.; A. C..
Wroe and wife and the Misses Hogendorp,
of Baltimore, Md; Mrs. Dagg, of Kentucky;
Mr.. Congdon and wife, of South Carolina,
and many others.
Mr.. Pickett, the old proprietor OF the ho-
tel, is keeping next door, and if you are
thirstyyou will receive from that gentleman
prescription which will be grateful to the
palate and refreshing to the human sys-
| tenn.
Mr.. Robt. Portner, so we'll known in AL
exandria, is here with his family, and has
made many improvements 10 his farm near
here. 1t is beautiful place and he is i'm
proving it rapidly every year.
You may know the morality Of the town
| is good when there are seven churches here.
We were very much gratified to learn that
the new school Baptist church lcoloredl is in
such hourishiDg condition. Rev. NJ. d.
Williams, its pastor, preached very fine
and instructive sermon to large congrega-
ton last Sunday.
Mr.. Henry Wagner has splendid vine
yard about mile from this place, and we
understand has been very successful. He
knows his business thoroughly, and as we
have tested his grapes, Through his kindnessl
we can speak knowingly.
Mr.. G. E. Brawner received yesterday
morning "wednesday 80 carrier pigeons
from Mr.. H. Dienelt, of Philadelphia, with q
| request that he would lperate them, which
was done at 1850 The distance from here
to Philadelphia is III miles. and it is
thought it will take the birds about four
hours TO reach their destination.
Mr. M. B. Latimer, of Washington, who
is well known in that city and this county,
is summering at the country residence OF
Mr.. John w. Miller, near here.
| The Virginia Midland Railroad, under the
able superintendent of Col. Andrews, is
improving wonderfully. We doubt if there
is a road in the country that is safer, better
managed, and more successful than this one
and with fewer accidents. The officers OF
this road know their business thoroughly
and are the right men in the right places.
We were present. with a few friends, to
an old fashioned tea party given by Mr..
| Pickett last evening. 1t was truly an en-
| oyabie and social occasion. Am0ny the
many dishes aas tha celebrated Brunswick
stew, 81 dish that will always be remember
cd. 1t is Virginia compound, and never
hes been made successfully outside the State.
Life is too short TO toll what that stew con-
sists of. We merely say that it first saw the
| light many years ago in Chesterfield Va.
OBSERVER.